LOVE’S TRANSFORMING POWER

Transformation through the love of Jesus can take us from pain to peace, from cringing to courage, from hurting to healing. And it always takes us to our fullest life possible – both here on earth and in heaven.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Romans 12:2

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

“…in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” – John 16:33

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25

Do you believe that the love of Jesus that brings you salvation will also bring you resurrection? Until that resurrection, do you believe that the love of Jesus is able to transform and renew your mind and, therefore, transform and renew your life, right now, right here on earth? Do you believe it? Many of you already know what my next question is: What are you going to do about it?

If I believe that the love of Jesus is able to take me from pain to peace, then I must allow Jesus to enter into my deepest pain. I must open up myself to Him. In full vulnerability. In full trust. No matter what I have chosen that causes me pain or shame or regret. No matter what pain or shame or regret has come to me by the choices of other people, or by life’s circumstances. I must let Jesus hold me and fill me with His transcending peace – His peace that permeates my soul far deeper than any pain ever could.

If I believe that the love of Jesus is able to take me from cringing to courage, then I must embrace the truth that my fear is foolish in view of the almighty power and eternal presence of my Holy God. I must let Jesus transform me by His Word and Spirit so I will recognize and crush every Lie From The Pit Of Hell (LFTPOH) that would diminish and destroy me. I must let Jesus fill me with the fullness of His courage that has already overcome this broken, fear-inducing, sinful, dying world! And I must allow Jesus to help me live as He lives today and for all eternity – victoriously!

If I believe that the love of Jesus is able to take me from hurting to healing, then I must allow the love of Jesus to transform all my perceptions, at every level, in every way, in every circumstance, in every relationship, that still identifies me or justifies me as being a victim. I must see myself – we all must see ourselves – from God’s transforming perspective! We are made to be “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:3).